Muslim Miss Universe GB finalist will become the first to wear a KAFTAN in the swimsuit contest after convincing organisers to accommodate her faith

Muna Jama, 27, is one of 40 finalists competing for a place in Miss Universe
The Muslim beauty queen did not feel comfortable wearing swimwear on stage
Instead she will become the first contestant to wear a kaftan in the competition

Passionate: The glamorous former car saleswoman, pictured, is a committed humanitarian

She is one of 40 finalists who will compete in the three-day final in Cardiff next month. The winner will represent Great Britain in the Miss Universe 2017 pageant.

Muna was first accepted to the competition two years ago but pulled out because of the swimsuit round, which often sees contestants parade in tiny two-pieces.

Rather than challenging the organisers or compromising her beliefs, she withdrew from the contest.

However this year she decided to re-enter in the hope of raising awareness over the migrant crisis, which she witnessed first hand during a volunteer trip to Egypt and Somalia last year.

Finishing touches: Miss Jama, from east London, is preparing for the contest in Cardiff in June

She said she felt particularly compelled to help as so many of those travelling to Europe are from Somalia, where she was born.

Muna said: 'These pageants are associated with beauty and modelling but over the years there has been a platform for other females using their platform differently.

'What I wanted to do was to raise awareness of what I have been working so hard for

Spurred into action: Muna, left, wants to raise the profile of the migrants fleeing Somalia

This time the former car saleswoman asked organisers to make a concession and excuse her from wearing swimwear.

She said: 'It took a bit of back and forward with Miss Universe. They said they were happy to allow me to compete.

'It wasn't easy but I think it was the first time they have heard someone asking for it.

'I thought they are either going to say yes or no, and I get to talk about what I'm passionate about.'